Authorities are currently on the hunt for the driver involved in a high-speed chase that took place early this morning in Belton, Missouri. The chase concluded near a park in Kansas City, but the driver managed to evade authorities and escape.
According to the Cass County, Missouri Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement officials made an effort to halt a vehicle near I-49 and 155th St. in Belton for a traffic violation at approximately 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, June 29.
The driver of the vehicle was signaled to pull over by the deputies as they headed north on the interstate. Although slow to respond, the driver eventually stopped, and the deputies had to activate their emergency lights during the process.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, as soon as the deputy stepped out of their vehicle, the driver immediately accelerated and took off. The deputy quickly got back into their own vehicle and initiated a pursuit of the suspect who was recklessly speeding away in a northerly direction on the interstate.
Law enforcement officials reported that as soon as the vehicle came to a halt near a playground at Iser Park in Kansas City, the suspect fled and tried to escape on foot. However, during the chase, they noticed that the suspect was carrying a firearm in his hand.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, multiple agencies were involved in the response, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Firearms and Explosives with the aid of a K-9 and aerial support. Despite their efforts, the suspect managed to evade capture.
The investigation into the case has been handed over to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, according to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office on Saturday afternoon. Currently, there is no additional information available regarding the case.